Disclaimer: I do not own the characters within; all rights and much respect go to Crown Media, Hallmark, Ms. Oke, Mr. Bird, Mr. Landon, and the creators/writers/actors of "When Calls the Heart". You inspired me to write and I'm not a writer! Feel free to use my story on the show, I'd be honored!

Shout out to Laurie, Angel and Em from Australia for your encouragement to write again. XO

Author's Note:

This story was inspired by the season 2 scene in which Elizabeth and Jack walk out of Abigail's and run into Bill. Elizabeth wants to know about what happened between the two Mounties, but Jack explains that there are things he cannot tell her. That lifestyle was difficult for my friend who was married to an undercover police officer and true to real life, it caused issues. Fear not though my dear Hearties because as Constable Lewis previously taught Jack…

"Love Never Fails"

Chapter 1

"Ahh!"

Everyone on the street froze and looked over at the mercantile when they heard the scream. Suddenly, they saw Elizabeth dash out the door, waving a letter in her hand.

"Thank you, Mr. Yost!" she yelled back as she descended the stairs and scurried down the street. Elizabeth happily greeted townspeople along the way, "Hello!" she called, unable to keep her giddiness in check.

"Abigail!" She exclaimed as she practically burst into the café, startling those who were dining, including Abigail.

A wide-eyed Elizabeth blushed slightly with embarrassment as she realized her faux pas, and noted every eye was upon her. "Pardon me," she said with a sheepish grin as she slowly closed the door.

Abigail couldn't help but grin, "Well good afternoon! Would you like to see me in the kitchen?"

Elizabeth quickly crossed the dining room to the privacy the kitchen offered, "Abigail, I have the most wonderful news!"

Abigail took one look at her dear friend's infectious smile and assumed the obvious, "Well considering I haven't seen you smile like this in quite a while; Jack must be coming home!"

Elizabeth's smile immediately fell, "No..." Her enthusiasm was now completely deflated, "…although that would top this."

Abigail cringed slightly, "I'm sorry! I just assumed since you were so happy," she said as she placed dishes in the wash-pan.

Elizabeth looked down for a moment, "Its ok."

Abigail smiled and attempted to regain her excitement, "Ok, so then what's the news?" she asked enthusiastically.

Elizabeth's smile was immediately back in place, "Well, it appears my letter to the Governor was received," Elizabeth said as she unfolded the letter and began to read:

"Dear Mrs. Elizabeth Thornton,

It is with great pleasure that I inform you that the North West Canadian Education Department's Financial Committee, has chosen your school in Hope Valley to be the recipient of the Governor's Grant for underprivileged schools.Your presence is requested at the Governor's Ball on the 12thof October, 1913 in Vancouver, to receive the awarded grant check. Please find the formal invitation, address and accommodations enclosed."

"Wow!" Abigail said in surprise.

"I know!" Elizabeth beamed, "Can you imagine what I can do for my students with this money? Oh my…I don't know where to start!" she said as she sat on the settee.

"And the Governor's Ball to boot!" Abigail added.

"Oh, yes!" Elizabeth said, "That will be exciting. I suppose I'll have to purchase something to wear when I get to Vancouver. I don't have any formal gowns other than my wedding dress and the ball is only a week away." Elizabeth sighed as she looked down at the letter, "I wish Jack was home to attend with me."

"Jack will be so proud of you when he hears the news." Abigail said as she sat next to her.

Elizabeth nodded, "I know, it's just…I miss him so much!" she whispered as she looked at Abigail with tears in her eyes.

Abigail gently rubbed her arm, "I know. I miss him too."

"He's been on this assignment for 8 weeks now, and it's been 2 weeks since I've heard from him." Elizabeth stood as she wiped her eyes, "He said he was moving around a lot so I don't know where he is now." Her sad tone quickly turned to annoyed, "How do you not tell your wife where you are?"

Abigail began to respond, but Elizabeth held her hand up, "I know, I know, its Mountie business!" She exclaimed as she walked back over to the settee. "I knew what I was getting into when I married him, but that doesn't mean that I don't worry about him. I do worry! I love him!"

"And we both know Jack loves you. I'm sure he will contact you and be home soon. I trust he will have a perfectly good explanation for not being in touch." Abigail said.

"I know," Elizabeth exhaled loudly as she dabbed her eyes with a handkerchief.

"He will be very proud of this," Abigail said as she gestured to the reward letter. "He would probably tell you not to spend it all on a new school bell because his cowbell is clearly loud enough!"

Elizabeth giggled in spite of herself, "You're right! He will be very proud indeed. He felt so strongly that my students deserved this grant money that he offered to deliver my letter to the Governor himself." Elizabeth smiled, recalling the memory.

Abigail placed her arm around Elizabeth's shoulder, "He's ok, Elizabeth. I just know it!"

"I know it in my heart. I just can't wait until he's home. Perhaps he will surprise me and be home this week in time to attend the ball with me." Elizabeth said with hope.

Abigail bit her lip, "Elizabeth, Vancouver is still quite a trip. You'll have to leave the day after tomorrow to get there on time. Remember when Constable Lewis and his fiancé Lorelei left for his new post? They left the week before he was due to start in Vancouver to make sure they got there on time, and to get settled."

Realization hit Elizabeth and she headed toward the door, "You're right. I better go check the stagecoach schedule and speak to Katie Yost about being my substitute."

"Elizabeth?"

"Yes?"

"Congratulations!"

Elizabeth smiled, "Thank you, Abigail!"

Elizabeth had only shared the stagecoach for the first few miles to Vancouver before she found herself alone. She couldn't help but note the emptiness of the stage as it rocked down the dusty dirt road. She looked at the empty space next to her and longed for Jack. A smile quickly grew upon her face at the knowledge that if he was present, he would take full advantage of the fact that they were alone.

Elizabeth recalled a time when they were traveling back from a trip to Calgary last spring. They bid their fellow passengers goodbye and as soon as the stage pulled away, Jack quickly pulled her to him.

"Constable!" Elizabeth gasped in surprise.

Their eyes met and Elizabeth noted the gleam of mischief in his eyes. Jack licked his lips as he looked her over, "Ma'am, I'm afraid you've stolen my heart." His voice was low and husky, "I have no other choice than to search you for it."

Elizabeth felt her entire being go abuzz, "If you must…" she said coyly as she leaned into him.

Jack kissed her lips and then methodically kissed his way down her neck, "Oh, Jack…" she sighed. Their lips and hands began to explore each other and were instantly lost in their own little world.

Elizabeth smiled and blushed at the memory before she was quickly brought back to the present moment in the empty, creaking stagecoach. She sighed heavily and pulled out her journal.

Dear Jack,

Since we can't be together for this wonderful event, I will simply keep you with me by writing to you…

I've updated with Chapter 2 already so you can keep reading!